Introducing “Pararesin”: Biomass Plastic Derived from Microalgae

As the trend of charging for plastic bags at convenience stores and supermarkets gains momentum, there is a growing focus on transitioning away from traditional plastics in favor of a new material called “Pararesin.” Traditional petroleum-based plastic products have long been associated with environmental issues due to their significant carbon emissions during production and disposal. These issues, including the global problem of marine plastic pollution, have prompted a reevaluation of our reliance on conventional plastics. In response to this, biomass plastics, which utilize renewable resources, have emerged as a promising alternative to reduce envir

Introduction of Euglena’s unique component, Paramylon

■Industrial Use of Paramylon Paramylon is a crystalline β-1,3-glucan believed to be produced exclusively by microalgae Euglena (commonly known as “Midorimushi” in Japan) and its close relatives. β-1,3-glucans are polysaccharides found in various sources, including fungi, and are widely recognized for their immunostimulatory properties. Paramylon, found in Euglena, is also considered to possess similar properties due to its β-1,3-glucan structure, and it has been studied for a long time. In 2005, Euglena Co., Ltd. made it possible to easily ingest paramylon by supplying large-scale cultivated Euglena as a food ingredient. This industrial us

The Mechanism of Immunomodulatory Effects of β-1,3-Glucan Found in Euglena

Euglena contains Paramylon as an intracellular carbohydrate storage substance, and Paramylon has a β-1,3-glucan structure. β-glucans are widely distributed polysaccharides found in nature, including in fungi, bacteria, and plants. They are known to exhibit various physiological activities in the bodies of animals, including humans, and have been reported to have multiple effects, especially related to immune regulation. The effects associated with immune enhancement by β-glucans are believed to be induced through humoral immunity, enhancing resistance against pathogens. When β-glucans are ingested orally, they are thought to influence the mucosal immune system o